This thought actually echoed across the channels in 2006 when Randall Pinkett won Donald Trump’s Apprentice. I’m passing it on to you as a mentor shared the thought with me–with a bit of a twist.
“Would
you
rather
make
the
news
or
report
the
news?”
Chew on it–and go. How’s that for a typical “Ode to 2009/New Year’s Post?” I hope not typical.
That is such an interesting question, and one I’ve been thinking about for a while too (as you can see on my latest blog post!). I actually almost became a journalist, but as I looked deeper into myself, realized that that’s not what I wanted in life.
The way you phrased it is so true — I wanted to make the news, rather than just cover the news. I wrote for my school newspaper and every time I wrote about a student group I admired, I wished I was leading the events I covered rather than just writing about them. So I quit the newspaper and poured my heart into development and human rights projects and internships. It has been a lot more fulfilling.
I ultimately think I want to start a non-profit or go into policymaking so that I can truly make an impact rather than just write about “change.”
How funny–we both commented on each other’s post–I think before we even realized it. I can relate to your feelings about journalism. I am so glad I studied it and practiced it as the skills and knowledge base it equips you with, in my opinion, are unmatchable–esp. in today’s information age.
However, when I was reporting for Adelante in Missouri, I had that inner feeling as well that wanted to be a part of the change–helping and leading the charge for the Hispanic community–rather than merely reporting it. So–I can definitely relate!